Inflation Caribbean Netherlands rises

Inflation was up on all three islands of the Caribbean Netherlands in the first quarter of 2014. On Bonaire it was 1.3 percent, on St Eustatius 2.5 percent and on Saba 1.4 percent.

Inflation in the Caribbean Netherlands

Food and clothing prices push up inflation on Bonaire

On Bonaire, inflation was 1.3 percent in the first quarter. This is 0.1 of a percentage point higher than in the fourth quarter of 2013. Higher prices for food and clothing were the main factors in the increase. Fruit and women’s clothing in particular cost more. Electricity prices fell slightly, and had a downward effect on inflation.

Inflation rises substantially on St Eustatius

On St Eustatius, inflation rose to 2.5 percent in the first quarter, up from 2.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013. The increase was mainly the result of higher electricity prices, although food - especially bread and cereals - also cost more. Prices in hotels and restaurants also had an upward effect on inflation. Developments in prices of air tickets curbed inflation on St Eustatius, as the effect of the hefty increase in the first quarter of 2013 has now ended.

Saba inflation rate slightly higher

In the first quarter of 2014, inflation on Saba was 1.4 percent, 0.2 of a percentage point higher than in the previous quarter. Just as on St Eustatius, it was mainly food (especially bread and cereal products and fresh vegetables) and electricity prices that pushed up inflation. On Saba, however, the effects were smaller. Air tickets raised inflation on Saba, while toiletries had a downward effect.

Gert-Jan van Steeg

Provisional figures and new weightsThe figures for the first quarter of 2014 are provisional and will become definite when figures for the second quarter of 2014 are published. From the first quarter of 2014, the weights of the products and services in the CPI of Bonaire, St Eustatius, and Saba have been adjusted.